Probe into National Railway Museum allegations (From York Press)

Probe into National Railway Museum allegations

9:29am Thursday 6th September 2012 in News

THE National Railway Museum has launched an internal investigation into allegations about the awarding of contracts for work on train engines.

A spokeswoman for the York museum said the probe would focus on whether there had been any impropriety surrounding the employment of Adrian Ashby in relation to locomotive painting jobs and also the museum’s production of the Railway Children.

She said this was being undertaken by the internal audit team as part of normal internal audit procedures that sought to ensure the museum adhered to best practice in terms of procurement and in line with its code of conduct.

The Press reported last month how Mr Ashby, the husband of curator Helen Ashby, was alleged to have received more than £25,000 for work which included painting an engine which was due to be named after her, helping to restore the Flying Scotsman and receiving contracts without competition from other suppliers.

He was also alleged to have been paid to drive an engine during the museum’s production of the Railway Children.

Museum director Steve Davies said then that Mrs Ashby was a valued member of the museum team, known for her high moral values and public spiritedness and Mr Ashby had been a volunteer for over 35 years and had an excellent track record of delivering high quality work both as a volunteer and in a paid capacity.